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Plumbing in a shower in The AnswerBank: DIY
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Plumbing in a shower

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WILLWONKER | 20:52 Fri 23rd Oct 2009 | DIY
4 Answers
I would like to fit a thermostatic mixer shower from my combi boiler to replace my existing electric shower. My boiler which is a 37CDI Worcester Green Star is situated approx 2.5 meters away from the bathroom. Obviously the cold water feed is already in situ,ie; to the electric shower. My intention is to fit a surface mounted mixer - my question is : am I correct in thinking it is just a case of taking a 'T' feed from the DHW wherever it is most convenient ? In my case it appears that I need to take it from inside the airing cupboard almost directly from the boiler then up in to the loft a rise of approx 1.5 meters, then a straight run in the loft of about 2.5 meters to the shower head. Would this set up be OK ? Also, as the cold water pressure is greater than the hot, do all mixer showers have a balancing valve to control this or do I have to fit a further device. Thanks for any help anyone can offer, also any recommendations of good mixers you have experience would also be appreciated.
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The boiler model that you quote is a combi-boiler - so the pressure of the hot should be the same as the cold water - unless it is being limited by the boiler itself.
Mixer units do not have a balancing valve and the pressure have to be roughly equal otherwise the mixer won't work properly.
Can I just add something to what BM has said (he starts work earlier than I do ) :o)
That set up should be fine. Although the unit wouldn't have a balancing valve as such ............the very fact that it's thermostatic, and you can adjust to either the hot or the cold side, that will give you the "balance" you need. Don't be tempted (price) to go for a non thermostatic. They are not much more than a crude "diverter" from hot to cold................... getting a good balanced temp with them becomes a case of micro-fiddling to keep a steady temp.
You need to purchase a mixer valve designed for use with a combi boiler. Not all mixer valves will work properly with one.
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Thanks to you all for your answers.

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